Dunedin Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Don't Pay For Another's Negligence in a Florida Motorcycle Accident

Compared to other vehicles, motorcycles are much smaller and harder to see on the road.

Because motorcycles lack the protection found in most cars and trucks, such as airbags and seat belts, crashes involving motorcycles often cause severe and fatal injuries.

Motorists can take several precautions to safely share the road with motorcycles and prevent devastating accidents.

At the Paulsen Law Group, our experienced attorneys in Dunedin pursue your rights after a crash. Our goal is to pursue compensation you are legally entitled to, covering medical bills, lost wages, and other damages from the collision.

Were you injured in a motorcycle accident in Florida? Our experienced motorcycle attorneys can help you seek financial compensation for your suffering. Call (888) 352-7180 or send us a message online today! We have locations in Dunedin, Tampa, St. Petersburgh, Lakeland, and New Port Richey.

Is Lane Splitting Legal in FL?

Florida law prohibits lane splitting. Lane splitting, also called split laning, is when a motorcyclist rides between lanes of traffic that is stopped or moving slowly. Only California allows this practice, though other states continue to debate similar legislation.

Florida Motorcycle Insurance Law

Florida is a no-fault state, which means if you are injured in a car accident, regardless of who caused it, you must first turn to your own insurance coverage for compensation for your injuries and other damages.

• No-fault liability means you cannot hold the other party responsible for your injuries unless you suffered a permanent injury. Only then can motorists file a lawsuit against the at-fault party.
• Insured motorists receive compensation through personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, which covers medical bills and lost wages regardless of fault in the accident.
• PIP laws do not apply to motorcyclists. If you are on a motorcycle and get in an accident, you do not need to prove a permanent injury to claim pain and suffering damages.

Motorcycle accident cases in Florida operate under different rules than standard auto cases because the state does not require motorcyclists to carry PIP insurance. Riders often rely on other insurance coverage or may need to pursue direct claims against the responsible driver. We work with our clients to identify the options available in Dunedin and help them understand how the process with local insurance carriers may impact timelines and coverage for medical expenses or motorcycle repairs.

What Are Common Motorcycle Accident Injuries?

Motorcyclists face increased risks of injury compared to car drivers because of limited protection in a crash. These collisions can result in catastrophic injuries.

Reported motorcycle injuries continue to rise and include brain injury, spinal cord injury, and even paralysis.

Other types of motorcycle injuries include:

• Eye injuries
• Facial injuries
• Severe burns
• Road rash
• Broken bones and fractures
• Lacerations
• Scarring
• Disfigurement

If you suffered serious injuries in a crash, contact a motorcycle accident lawyer to discuss your case. Our team at Paulsen Law Group will review your information and help you understand your legal options.

When Should You Call a Dunedin Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

Contact a motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible after a collision.

Doing so will mean that the details of the accident are still fresh in your mind as well as in the minds of any:

• Witnesses
• Doctors
• Or police that were present

The sooner you get the details to a motorcycle accident lawyer, the better -- you will most likely have a better chance at building a solid case.

What Are Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?

Like other traffic accidents, motorcycle crashes peak in the summer months and many of them occur during rush hour. While drivers are hurrying to work, they may be neglecting safety, which can prove devastating for motorcyclists. What starts as a nice summer ride may end in serious injury or death.

Below are some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents:

• Distracted driving: If a driver is not watching the road, they are more likely to miss any motorcyclists who might be traveling on it.
• Driving under the influence: Drugs and alcohol impair drivers’ ability to be safe. Intoxicated drivers may be held liable in both criminal and civil courts.
• Unsafe lane changes: Before changing lanes, drivers should always check their blind spots. If they fail to do so, they might not see a small vehicle like a motorcycle.
• Speeding: When drivers are traveling too quickly, they might not have the reaction time they need to prevent a collision with a motorcyclist.
• Sudden stops: Because they have different braking capabilities, motorcycles may not be able to stop if a driver slams on their brakes.
• Intersection errors: Drivers waiting at intersections or making left-hand turns may focus all their attention on traffic and fail to notice a motorcycle in their path.
• Car doors: The phenomenon of motorcyclists colliding with suddenly opened doors is called “dooring.” This can also occur when a driver leaves their door open in the roadway.
• Lane splitting: When motorcyclists travel between 2 lanes of traffic, they are practicing lane splitting, which is illegal in Florida and extremely dangerous.
• Inexperienced drivers: Accidents are more likely to happen when drivers and/or motorcyclists demonstrate a lack of experience.
• Dangerous road conditions: Potholes and uneven pavement may cause a motorcyclist to lose control of their vehicle.
• Weather: Rain and snow may cause motorcyclists to lose traction with the road, and wind can compromise their balance.
• Motorcycle defects: If a bike part malfunctions during their ride, motorcyclists may hold the manufacturers of the defective part accountable.

If any of the causes above contributed to your accident, you may be able to hold someone else liable.

Who Can be Held Liable for Motorcycle Accidents?

A range of parties may be liable for motorcycle accidents. Drivers can face responsibility for dangerous choices. Manufacturers may be held accountable for selling defective motorcycles or parts. Local government agencies can share liability if poorly maintained roads cause crashes.

Responsibility in motorcycle accident cases depends on the unique circumstances in Dunedin and Pinellas County. If a local government’s negligence, such as blocked drains or potholes, played a role, our team reviews public records and maintenance logs. Accidents caused by mechanical defects require reviewing recall records and manufacturer bulletins for applicable warnings. Our strategic process focuses on the facts, applying regional insight to each case we review.

Get help with your lawsuit today by speaking to a motorcycle accident attorney at Paulsen Law Group. Call (888) 352-7180 (727) 270-8260 or send us a message online to speak with an attorney near you today! We have locations in Dunedin, Tampa, St. Petersburgh, Lakeland, and New Port Richey.

What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident

Riding a motorcycle can offer freedom, but a crash can quickly disrupt your life. Drivers and insurance adjusters sometimes hold unfair biases about motorcyclists, which can complicate your claim process.

• Step One - Call the Police: After an accident, you have the right to call the police to the scene. Police will secure the area, manage traffic, and create an official report. This record can play an important role when pursuing an insurance claim or legal action.
• Step Two - Take Photos of the Scene: Protect your rights by collecting evidence. Take photos of license plates, vehicle damage, and the overall crash site.
• Step Three - File a Claim: Florida’s no-fault rules limit lawsuits after vehicle accidents, but motorcyclists are not required to carry PIP insurance or meet the permanent injury threshold to bring a lawsuit against a negligent third party.

Coastal traffic and local events can make Dunedin accident scenes crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. When crashes occur during these times, gather witness contact information and write down details about the location, conditions, and road hazards. These steps help law enforcement and legal teams understand exactly what happened and support your claim later. Knowing the street layout and local traffic directions can be useful when explaining the accident to authorities and, if you move forward, to your attorney.

We Will Pursue Compensation on Your Behalf--Call Today

Negligent drivers can cause severe collisions with motorcyclists, sometimes resulting in fatal injuries. Faulty driving—speeding, breaking traffic laws, tailgating, or unsafe passing—leads to tragic consequences. Florida’s wrongful death laws are detailed and sometimes confusing, but our experienced legal team walks each client through the necessary legal steps and provides clear, supportive guidance from start to finish.

Pursuing recovery after a motorcycle accident in Dunedin includes considering input from accident reconstructionists or life care planners who help assess your losses. We help riders and families estimate future medical costs, rehabilitation, and the impact on daily life. Working closely with local healthcare providers and insurance representatives lets us present information tailored to our community’s needs so you have the information to make strong decisions moving forward.

After a motorcycle accident, you can seek compensation for the following:

Schedule Your Free Consultation

If you suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident because of another driver’s reckless or negligent actions, take action now. Our lawyers will build your case to pursue justice and recovery for what you lost. We serve clients in Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, and the greater Tampa Bay area, always offering compassionate legal guidance and determined support.

If you have questions about insurance coverage or steps to take after being involved in a motorcycle accident, contact our motorcycle accident lawyers in Dunedin by calling (888) 352-7180 for experienced representation and successful results!